God our rock and our salvation so much of faith is waitinglike a pregnant woman waiting in hope, like a people under siege, holding out till relief comes like the soul lost in the darkness, unable to see even a glimmer of lightyet stumbling through the night because somewhere out ahead, day will surely breakGod be with us in our waiting

Living God, keep us awake in faith, faith that acts;when our faith grows weary, strengthen us, when our faith grows fearful, give us couragewhen our faith grows despairing, give us witnesses, and when the faith of others falters,may we be a light in their darkness.

GROW

Advent is a season of waiting. It is a season in which we continue to prepare for and wait upon Christ’s second coming, just as we remember his first arrival as a baby. This continuing act of waiting is of the utmost importance to Paul in Romans 13:11-14. He is convinced that our hope in Christ requires our constant attention and focus.

Paul’s first goal in this passage is to remind the Roman Christians of that hope and its implications. He proclaims, “The time has come to wake up!” For, in Christ, the dawn has come. Our Lord has erased darkness, sin, and death. He has brought salvation! Having seen Christ’s light and known His salvation, we can no longer sleep; we can no longer remain in idle darkness. We must wake up.

Do you feel darkness clinging to any area in your life? Do you feel as though you have been slumbering in your faith? Reflect on these questions and lift your thoughts to God in prayer. Ask for the light of Christ to fill you with a fresh sense of hope and assurance. As you go about this week, keep your eyes open to see the light of Christ at work in the people around you. Be encouraged by the knowledge that Christ has come, Christ is with us now by the Spirit, and Christ is coming again.

SERVE

As Christians, we confess that the light of the world has come in Christ Jesus. Yet, there are still many people who have not seen that light. By the Spirit, we are called to share Christ’s light with those who remain in darkness. Take a moment to think about someone in your life who needs to be shown or reminded of Christ’s light. Pray for that person by name and think of some small way that you might share the encouragement and hope of Christ with her/him. This could be a hopeful note, a kind word, a generous gift, or deliberately dedicated time to spend with them.

Hymn of Response:

As a response to God’s Word, take a moment to devotionally read or sing “‘Sleepers, Wake!’ A Voice Astounds Us.” Let the Good News of God’s light be an encouragement to you throughout this day.